Kaylah Walton
Olympic gymnast and rising star Olivia Dunne has achieved yet another impressive feat—she’s now featured on the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Adding to her accolades, the 22-year-old recently made waves on social media after posting a snapshot with hip-hop legend 50 Cent, stirring excitement among her followers.
Dunne made her debut on the red carpet at the Sports Illustrated launch party, dazzling in a chic outfit by Kate Barton and matching it with a sparkling clutch from Benedetta Bruzziches. This glamorous occasion marked her first official appearance as a cover star, joining the ranks of well-known figures like Salma Hayek, gymnast Jordan Chiles, and model Lauren Chan.
After the event, Dunne shared a captivating Instagram Story that generated significant buzz. The photo featured her alongside 50 Cent at what seemed to be an exclusive after-party. The rapper captioned his post: “Sports illustrated bad bitches every where what ! Me and Rob Gronk was chilling. You know the vibes!”
Dunne responded by resharing the image, using the brief caption: “Yktv,” an abbreviation for “You know the vibe.”
This playful interaction between the two pop culture icons added a festive touch to what has been a challenging year for Dunne. She participated in a mere four NCAA matches during the 2025 season before suffering an avulsion fracture in her kneecap, which kept her from competing in the semi-finals. Her team, the LSU Tigers, ended up finishing third, missing out on back-to-back national championships.
Transitioning from a Gymnast to a Cultural Icon
In April 2025, Dunne publicly declared her retirement from competitive gymnastics. Her choice followed a senior year that was both promising and tumultuous, culminating in her contribution to LSU’s first national championship victory in 2024.
While leaving competitive gymnastics, Dunne remains committed to the sport, planning to engage in media, brand partnerships, and mentoring within the gymnastics community, utilizing her athletic skills and substantial online presence.
With her feature in Sports Illustrated, Dunne is cementing her role as a cultural influencer, extending her impact beyond collegiate sports.
The cover story symbolizes a new journey for the gymnast, who formerly juggled intensive training with modeling assignments and an expansive social media platform.
